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The Point The postcard
is the lazy man’s favorite correspondence—nothing to
open, unfold, detach, or otherwise reconfigure just for the sake
of finding out that yes, he is qualified for yet another amazing
offer, and if he could just fill this out or call this number, his
life would change forever. The postcard doesn’t mess around.
The message is right in front of your face, and within seconds,
you know if it’s headed for the recycling bin, the bulletin
board, or your postal scrapbook. This is incredibly liberating.
Just think of all the money and time we’d save if everything
was a postcard. Taxes, for example, would be a breeze. We wouldn’t
have to suffer through exhausting Christmas card updates. Your bank
statement would be easier to read. The postcard is brief, cheap,
and fits in your back pocket. Mail doesn’t get any better
than that.
The Audience Besides size,
what differentiates the postcard from other mail is its public persona.
While your mail carriers are presumably too busy to read every piece
of mail that they deliver, you never know if the nosy neighbor down
the hall will take a peek in your slot while you’re at work.
The postcard can be a vehicle for all kinds of messages, and some
are well-suited for the public format. Your new product line, for
example, is probably something you’d like everyone to know
about, nosy or not. The latest gossip about your sister’s
husband’s mom, however, is a different story. While you may
never know exactly who sees your card, much less pays attention
to it, it’s important to realize that anyone could see it.
Keep your eyes open for interesting materials such
as old photographs, ads, or even packaging. These recipe cards were
purchased at a thrift store and then screenpinted on to serve as
a postcard announcing the opening for an art show. Deisgn:
Lori Larusso
How to mail a postcard:
• The U.S. Post Office defines a
postcard as 5 to 6 inches in length by 3 1/2 to 4 1/4 inches
in height.
• A postcard must
be between .007 inches and .016 inches thick.
• Contain the mailing address to the right 2 3/4 inches
of the back of the postcard.
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• The U.S. Post Office will affix a bar code to the
bottom 5/8 inch of the back of the postcard, so leave that
area clear.
• A return address is not required on a postcard.
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